Jotunheimen features Norway's highest mountains, deep valleys, and an extensive network of marked trails for both experienced mountaineers and first-time visitors. Whether you want to hike over Besseggen, climb Galdhøpiggen, or explore quieter valleys and DNT cabins, the area offers outdoor options for both summer and winter.
Hike Besseggen and Bukkelægret
Besseggen is one of Norway's most popular mountain hikes, attracting over 40,000 hikers annually. The trail offers steep terrain and panoramic views of the national park, running along a narrow ridge with Lake Gjende 400 meters below on one side and Lake Bessvatn on the other. For a longer trek, you can combine it with the adjacent Bukkelægret trail.
Situated at 2,068 meters above sea level, Fannaråkhytta is Norway's highest mountain lodge. The hike up requires steady effort and rewards you with views over surrounding glaciers and peaks. The cabin provides dinner, warm beds, and an authentic high-alpine atmosphere, offering an excellent vantage point for sunset and sunrise.
This route combines cycling and hiking in the heart of Jotunheimen. From the parking lot in Veodalen, you follow a closed gravel road into the valley—an easy, scenic bike ride leading to the Glitterheim DNT cabin. After an overnight stay, you can continue on foot to the summit of Glittertind, Norway's second-highest mountain.
Utladalen is a deep valley characterized by steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation. This hike takes you through the entire valley, passing the impressive Vettisfossen waterfall, and includes stops at two local DNT cabins.
Kyrkja is one of the most iconic peaks in Jotunheimen. The hike up this distinctive mountain is steep and exposed near the top, requiring good scrambling skills. The route is demanding and is recommended for experienced hikers.
Visit Fondsbu and Join a Guided Hike to Uranostind
Uranostind stands at 2,157 meters above sea level and was first climbed in 1876. On clear days, the summit offers a 360-degree view spanning Falketind, Bygdin, the Gjende Alps, and as far south as Gaustatoppen. Staying at Fondsbu allows you to join a guided glacier and summit trek led by professional guides.
Jotunheimen offers a well-established network of staffed and self-service DNT cabins connected by marked trails. It is easy to plan routes tailored to your timeframe and fitness level, ranging from short, family-friendly weekend walks to demanding multi-day circuits.
Local boat services offer practical access to the deep interior of the national park. The Gjende boats transport hikers to Memurubu and Gjendebu, serving as the starting point for routes like Besseggen and Bukkelægret. On Lake Bygdin, the historic MB Bitihorn takes you to Fondsbu or the self-service cabin at Torfinnsbu, making it simple to plan point-to-point hikes.
Visit Torfinnsbu and Try the Volunteer-Built Sauna
The self-service DNT cabin at Torfinnsbu features a lakeside sauna built entirely from recycled materials. The project was completed by DNT volunteers, who contributed over 1,500 hours of labor to construct the facility.
Bag 2,000-Meter Peaks
Jotunheimen is the primary region in Norway for high-altitude hiking, containing the country's highest concentrations of peaks over 2,000 meters. Using the serviced DNT cabins as a base camp, you can spend several days exploring different summits within the national park.
Jotunheimen is mainland Norway's most powerful mountain massif, and offers an extensive trail network, beautiful cabins and accommodation among Norway's highest mountains. In the well-established route network in Jotunheimen, you will find a number of serviced and self-service DNT cabins.
